Sachet for a sample of a fluid product

ABSTRACT

The sachet ( 1 ) for a metered quantity of a fluid product comprises a first part ( 4   a ) and a second part ( 4   b ) in the form of sealed flexible layers having an annular attachment sector ( 8 ), a gripping region ( 13 ), and a sealed cavity ( 14 ), and, in a part of the gripping region ( 13 ), the layer portion of the first part ( 4   a ) and/or the second part ( 4   b ) is folded on itself from the edge ( 3 ) in a folded flap ( 18   a,    8   b ), so as to form a thicker region ( 18 ) having a thickness at least twice the thickness of the layer portion of this part ( 4   a,    4   b ), which makes up for at least part, or equalizes, or exceeds the overthickness in the region of the cavity ( 14 ), on account of the presence of the metered quantity of fluid product (P) located therein, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of damage to the sachet ( 1 ) filled with the metered quantity of fluid product (P) when it is inserted into a magazine.

This invention relates to a sachet for a sample of a fluid product forperfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use, speciallyadapted to be able to be inserted into a magazine. It has moreparticularly as its object such a sample sachet empty of product, such asample sachet filled with product, and a process for manufacturing sucha sample sachet filled with product.

A sachet for a sample of a fluid product for perfumery, cosmetics,personal care, or for medical use, specially adapted to be able to beinserted into a magazine, is already known.

According to the document EP-A-1034073, such a sample sachet comprises alower fluidtight layer that has an inner surface and an outer surface,an upper fluidtight layer that has an inner surface and an outersurface, an annular seal that is fluidtight and that can be peeled offfrom the two layers, adjacent to the annular peripheral edges oppositethe two layers that form the peripheral edge of the sample sachet, bymeans of a non-sealed part that forms gripping tabs for opening, andlocated in an annular contact zone of their two inner surfaces, afluidtight cavity bounded by the annular seal and by the two zones thatare not mutually bonded with the inner surfaces opposite the two layersthat it bounds, a structure placed in the cavity such as a web ofnonwoven polypropylene fibers in which the sample of fluid product isabsorbed, the structure having the function of the forming of anapplicator of the fluid product and having as another function theabsorbing of the compressive forces that exist when sample sachets areinserted into stacked magazines, which makes it possible for the seal toresist. The thickness of the sample sachet is unequal, thinner on itsperipheral edge where it is the one defined by the thickness of the twosuperposed and sealed layers, and thicker in its central part where itis defined by the thickness of the two separated layers and thethickness of the inner structure placed between both of them. To ensureits functions, the inner structure has a substantial thickness. Thus,the sample sachet exhibits an inequality of marked thickness, which canbe a nuisance considering its insertion into a magazine and whichinevitably affects its aesthetic appearance. In contrast, the non-sealedpart that forms the gripping tab for opening proves to be inconvenientto use. The process for producing such a sample sachet necessitateshaving structures or providing a step for producing such structures. Italso requires a step in which the fluid product sample is made to beabsorbed by the structure and a step for insertion of the structure intothe cavity. This production process is therefore complex with theinherent drawbacks pertaining to sample sachets for which therequirements of speed, simplicity, safety and manufacturing cost aresignificant.

The document US 2005/0061710 describes a sample sachet of the samegeneral type that, in contrast with the preceding, does not require aninner structure and in which the compressive forces are absorbed as aresult of the provision, concerning the lower layer, of a lower annularpart that projects from its inner surface limiting the space forreceiving the fluid product sample, and, concerning the upper layer, ofan upper annular part that projects from its outer surface, the twolower and upper annular parts cooperating with one another and mutuallyreinforcing one another so as to be able to absorb the compressiveforces that exist when the sample sachets are inserted into magazinesthat are stacked. Here, too, the thickness of the sample sachet isunequal, especially since the annular parts are projecting, and theaesthetic appearance of the sample sachet is affected as a result of thepresence of the annular parts.

The document US 2005/0011794 describes a sample sachet attached to astiffening card with the insertion of thickness wedges that form a braceso as to make a space for the sachet once inserted into a magazine andwhen a compressive force is exerted on it.

The document FR 2 599 716 describes a device for the packaging, thepreserving over time, and the transport of samples of essences ormixtures of fragrant essences in the liquid state under conditionsensuring the stability of the olfactory properties of the essences, saiddevice consisting of a support having absorbent and neutral propertieswith respect to the essential product, such as a paper or cardboard tab,said support being inserted into a hermetic envelope consisting of asachet whose walls welded to one another are made up of a complex of alayer of synthetic material and a metal foil.

The document FR 2 908 748 describes a dosage sachet consisting of twowalls with the same dimensions that are welded together on their outerperiphery so as to constitute a flat sealed container containing apromotional sample of a fluid product and intended to be inserted into amagazine, said dosage sachet being such that it comprises a protuberantelement welded approximately in the center of the surface of one of saidwalls so as to prevent said walls from being flattened against oneanother under the effect of an outside force and thus to prevent therisk of a rupture of said sachet.

The state of the art also comprises the document US 2007/158399.

The problem at the root of the invention is therefore to propose asachet for a sample of a fluid product for perfumery, cosmetics,personal care, or for medical use, specially adapted to be able to beinserted into a magazine (empty, or filled with product) and a processfor manufacturing such a sample sachet filled with product, which in thefirst place are such that the sample sachet thus inserted into amagazine, itself in a stack of magazines, withstands the compressiveforces to which it is subjected; in the second place are such that thedrawbacks known to date are overcome; in the third place are such thatan inner structure can be dispensed with if that is desired, such aninner structure being possible however, with a stiffening card or withthickness wedges that form a brace, such that the thickness of thesample sachet is equal or at least as not-unequal as possible, apartfrom the fact of being thin, such that the aesthetic appearance of thesample sachet is ensured given that the two outer surfaces of the twolayers can be substantially smooth, such that the opening of the samplesachet is easy, and such that the process for manufacturing the samplesachet fulfills the requirements of speed, simplicity, safety andproduction cost sought for this type of product.

For this purpose, according to a first aspect, the invention has as itsobject a sachet that can and is intended to contain a dose of a fluidproduct, comprising a first part in the form of a fluidtight layerportion with a certain flexibility and a second part in the form of afluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility.

The first part and the second part of the sachet are arranged oppositeso that the sachet comprises:

-   -   an annular area for mutual bonding that is fluidtight and that        can be detached by a suitable opening action of the first part        and of the second part in a reciprocal contact area of their two        inner surfaces,    -   a gripping zone that, toward the outside, is adjacent to the        peripheral edge of the sachet and that, toward the inside, is        adjacent to the bonding area, in which the first part and the        second part are not mutually bonded so as to provide a gripping        means of the tab type for the purpose of opening the sachet,    -   a fluidtight cavity bounded by the bonding area and by the two        areas that are not mutually bonded of the inner surfaces        opposite the first part and the second part that it borders,        able to receive the dose of fluid product to be bagged.

The sachet is such that in at least one part of said gripping zone, thelayer portion of at least one of the first and second parts is folded onitself at least from the peripheral edge in a folded flap, so as to forma raised surface region, with a thickness at least double the thicknessof the layer portion of this part, the sachet thus having in the raisedsurface region a raised thickness that compensates for, at least inpart, or equalizes, or exceeds the raised thickness in the region of thecavity, due to the presence of the dose of fluid product that is foundthere, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of damaging the sachetfilled with the dose of fluid product when it is inserted into amagazine.

According to an embodiment, the folded flap of the first and/or thesecond part is also bonded onto itself, forming a permanent folded flap.

According to the embodiments, the folded flap of the first part and/orof the second part extends in a longitudinal direction up to thevicinity of the annular bonding area.

According to the embodiments, a portion of the folded flap of the firstpart and/or of the second part extends in a longitudinal direction whilebeing adjacent to a portion of the annular bonding area forming itsstarting point of rupture. In particular, according to the embodiments,said portion of the folded flap is located in a median way on saidfolded flap, and/or said portion of the annular bonding area is locatedin a median way on a segment of said annular bonding area.

According to an embodiment, the folded flap of at least one of the firstand second parts is in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone,the gripping zone being merged, or substantially merged, with the raisedsurface region.

According to the embodiments, the gripping zone and/or the raisedsurface region extends peripherally along a portion of the peripheraledge over a certain length and extends in the perpendicular directionover a certain width, the length and the width being sufficient to makepossible, on the one hand, the gripping for the purpose of opening thesachet and, on the other hand, the reduction or the elimination of therisk of damaging the sachet filled with the dose of fluid product whenit is inserted into a magazine. In particular, according to theembodiments, said length is at least one-third of the length of theperipheral edge, in particular on the order of one-half or at leastone-half of the length of the peripheral edge. Alternately orconcurrently, said width is at least one-quarter of the length of thesachet in the same perpendicular direction, in particular on the orderof one-third or at least one-third of the length of the sachet in thesame perpendicular direction.

According to the embodiments, the gripping zone and/or the raisedsurface region extends peripherally outward either in totality, orsubstantially in totality, or over only a fraction of the peripheraledge of the sachet. Alternately or concurrently, the gripping zoneand/or the raised surface region is either in a single section or inseveral sections that are separate, contiguous or spaced out, inparticular in two diametrically opposed sections facing each other onthe sachet.

According to an embodiment, the gripping zone and/or the raised surfaceregion comprises, toward the inside, a boundary whose shape defines as awhole a line or a surface for folding and opening the two parts of thegripping zone and/or the raised surface region.

According to an embodiment, in at least one part of said gripping zone,the folded flap of the first part and the folded flap of the second partare located at right angles to the same raised surface region, with athickness at least equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion ofthe first part plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of thesecond part. In particular, according to an embodiment, the folded flapof the first part and the folded flap of the second part are locatedopposite one another.

According to an embodiment, the sachet is bound on both sides by twoouter surfaces that are substantially flat or without an aestheticallynotable raised feature.

According to an embodiment, the first part and the second part and thesachet all together exhibit a certain flexibility and an overallstrength that is, in particular, flat.

According to an embodiment, the layer of the first part and/or the layerof the second part has/have a thickness on the order of 1/10^(th) of amillimeter.

According to the embodiments, the layer of the first part and the layerof the second part are either identical or different relative to thematerial and/or the thickness.

According to the embodiments, the peripheral edge of the sachetcorresponds to the two coincident peripheral edges of the first part inlayer portion shape and of the second part in layer portion shape, andin particular such that its peripheral edge has a contour of generalshape, or falling within a general, polygonal shape, such as a square orrectangular shape.

According to a particular embodiment, the layer portion of the firstpart and the layer portion of the second part are folded and bonded ontothemselves opposite one another, in all, or substantially all, of thegripping zone, in two folded flaps with bonding, forming a raisedsurface region, with a thickness equal to twice the thickness of thelayer portion of the first part plus twice the thickness of the layerportion of the second part, the two folded flaps with bonding extendingin a longitudinal direction up to the vicinity of a starting point forrupture of the annular bonding area, the gripping zone and the raisedsurface region extending peripherally over a certain length of theperipheral edge of the sachet, the sachet being bound on both sides bytwo outer surfaces that are substantially flat or without anaesthetically notable raised feature and having a peripheral edgecorresponding to the two coincident peripheral edges of the first partand of the second part.

According to a second aspect, the invention has as its object a sachetcontaining a dose of a fluid product, comprising a sachet such as theone previously described and a dose of fluid product received in thecavity of the sachet.

According to an embodiment, the dose of fluid product is received in thecavity of the sachet, without intermediate support.

According to another embodiment, the dose of fluid product impregnates asupport, said support thus impregnated with fluid product being receivedin the cavity of the sachet.

According to an embodiment, the thickness of the sachet containing adose of a fluid product in the raised surface region compensates for, atleast in part, or equalizes, or exceeds the thickness in the region ofthe cavity where the dose of fluid product is found. And the sachetcontaining a dose of a fluid product is bound on both sides by two largeouter surfaces that are substantially flat or without an aestheticallynotable raised feature.

According to a third aspect, the invention has as its object a processfor manufacturing a sachet containing a dose of a fluid product such ashas just been described.

In this process, one or two strips of material in the form of a layerare used, and fluid product is used.

This process is such that, successively:

-   -   the strip or strips of layer-shaped material are unwound so as        to form a layer-shaped continuous first-part strip and a        layer-shaped continuous second-part strip, and the first-part        strip and the second-part strip are pulled in synchronicity,    -   a longitudinal layer portion of at least one of the first-part        and second-part strips is folded on itself, at least from the        longitudinal peripheral edge while this strip is unwinding, in a        folded flap, so as to form a longitudinal raised surface region,        adjacent to the longitudinal peripheral edge of this strip,    -   when the first-part strip and the second-part strip are located        opposite one another and in contact with one another toward        their longitudinal peripheral edges, for each operation of a        series of similar operations, the dose of fluid product to be        bagged is inserted between the first-part strip and the        second-part strip, and the first-part strip and the second-part        strip are bonded in an annular area so as to form a cavity, each        successive dose of fluid product being received in each        successive cavity,    -   the folded flap of the first-part strip and/or of the        second-part strip is bonded longitudinally on itself,    -   the first-part strip and the second-part strip, thus bonded, are        cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities filled        with doses of product, so that for each operation of a series of        similar operations, a sachet containing a dose of a fluid        product is separated.

According to the embodiments, either a single strip of layer-shapedmaterial is used and from this a first-part strip and a second-partstrip are formed, or two strips of material are used and thus afirst-part strip and a second-part strip are used.

Now, several embodiments of the invention are described using drawings,in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a possible embodiment of a sachet containing adose of a fluid product according to the invention, where the sachet hasa peripheral contour of rectangular shape with slightly rounded corners,illustrating the outer surface of one of the two layer-portion-shapedparts of the sachet, the annular bonding area of the sachet bounding thecavity of the sachet for receiving the dose of fluid product, and thegripping zone of the sachet, here in two diametrically opposed sectionsfacing each other on the sachet, the view being cut-away at right anglesto the cavity to illustrate the dose of fluid product.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along the cutaway lineII-II that is parallel to the sections of the gripping zone and at rightangles to the cavity, illustrating the two layer-portion-shaped parts ofthe sachet, the annular bonding area, and the cavity for receiving thedose of fluid product, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons ofclarity.

FIG. 2A is a partial enlargement of FIG. 2, the thicknesses not being toscale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 3 is a cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along cutaway lineIII-III that is parallel to the sections of the gripping zone and atright angles to the gripping zone and with the raised surface region,illustrating a layer portion of the first part and a layer portion ofthe second part that are folded and bonded onto themselves, opposite oneanother in the gripping zone, forming the raised surface region, with athickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the firstpart plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part,the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 3A is a partial enlargement of FIG. 3, the thicknesses not being toscale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 4 is a partial cutaway view of the sachet of FIG. 1 along thecutaway line IV-IV that is crosswise to the sections of the grippingzone, illustrating the two layer-portion-shaped parts of the sachet, theannular bonding area, the cavity for receiving the dose of fluidproduct, a layer portion of the first part and a layer portion of thesecond part that are folded and bonded on themselves, opposite oneanother in the gripping zone, forming a raised surface region, with athickness equal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the firstpart plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part,the two folded and bonded layer portions extending crosswise up to thevicinity of a starting point for rupture of the annular bonding area,the two folded and bonded layer portions here being applied against oneanother, the thicknesses not being to scale for reasons of clarity.

FIG. 4A is similar to FIG. 4, the two folded and bonded layer portionshere being separated from one another, preserving the integrity of theannular bonding area.

FIG. 4B is similar to FIG. 4, the two folded and bonded layer portionshere being separated from one another, with rupture of the integrity ofthe annular bonding area, the cavity being accessible.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the process for manufacturing a sachetcontaining a dose of a fluid product, in the case where two strips ofmaterial are used.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process for manufacturing a sachetcontaining a dose of a fluid product, in the case where a single stripof layer-shaped material is used.

A sachet 1 according to the invention is able and intended to contain adose of a fluid product P, the reference P designating both the dose andthe fluid product. The invention has as its object both the sachet 1empty of the dose of the fluid product P and the sachet containing thedose of the fluid product 1+P.

For reasons of convenience, the description is made very specificallywith reference to the filled sachet 1+P. Unless it is otherwiseindicated, the description is made with reference to the sachet 1+P inthe sealed state and in a configuration where it is on the whole flat incomparison with a reference plane Q (plane of FIG. 1 and of the lowerpart of FIGS. 5 and 6, plane perpendicular to FIGS. 2, 2A, 3, 3A, 4, 4Aand 4B).

The sachet 1+P is able and intended to be inserted into a magazine, and,for example, held in position on a page of such a magazine, and themagazines in question comprising such sachets 1+P being intended to bestacked. The sachet 1+P is also able to be used under similarcircumstances where significant compressive forces are exerted that haveto be absorbed so that the sachet maintains its integrity, withoutbursting, being pierced, or leaking. If you can do somethingcomplicated, you can do something simple: the sachet 1+P is also able tobe used under circumstances where compressive forces, such as those thathave been mentioned in connection with stacked magazines, are notexerted.

The sachet 1+P is intended to contain a fluid product P such as aproduct for perfumery, cosmetics, personal care, or for medical use,quite especially in the liquid or pasty state. These types of productcannot be limiting.

The sachet 1+P is suitable for a small dose of fluid product P, forexample as a sample, such as, for example, an amount less than 30 ml, inparticular less than 10 ml, more especially still less than 1 ml. Thesevalues cannot be limiting.

Such a sachet 1+P is thin and typically has an overall maximum thicknessthat is not very significant, for example less than 5 mm, in particularless than 2 mm, where these values cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1+P is bound by a peripheral edge 3 whose contour, accordingto the embodiments, is of a general shape, or is inscribed in a general,polygonal shape, such as a square or rectangular shape, but that canalso, if necessary, be curved. The envelope of the peripheral edge 3 hasa side on the order of a centimeter or several centimeters. For example,in an embodiment, the sachet 1+P has a rectangular contour, optionallywith rounded corners, from about 6 cm to 8 cm to about 3.5 cm to 5.5 cm.This embodiment and these values cannot be limiting.

The sachet 1 comprises a first part 4 a in the form of a layer portionthat is extended on the surface, fluidtight, and with a certainflexibility. It also comprises a second part 4 b also in the form of alayer portion that is extended on the surface, fluidtight, and with acertain flexibility. The first part 4 a and the second part 4 b arearranged with one another while being combined facing one another, sothat the peripheral edge 3 of the sachet corresponds to the twoperipheral edges 3 a, 3 b coincident with the first part 4 a and withthe second part 4 b. In the embodiment shown, the sachet 1 or 1+P, thefirst part 4 a, and the second part 4 b have an edge 3, 3 a, 3 bcomprising two large sides 5 that are longitudinal, parallel to eachother, and two small sides 6 that are crosswise, parallel to each other,and four corners 7 that, if necessary, can be rounded.

“Longitudinal” is defined as that which extends parallel to the, or toa, large dimension of the sachet 1 or 1+P, defined here by the directionof the large sides 5. “Crosswise” is defined as that which extendsparallel to the, or to a, small dimension of the sachet 1 or 1+P,defined here by the direction of the small sides 6. Thus, “longitudinal”and “crosswise” are defined as two perpendicular directions in the planeQ. Furthermore, “longitudinal” can also be defined as that which is inthe direction of feed of a layer-shaped continuous first-part strip andof a layer-shaped continuous second-part strip used to manufacture thesachet 1+P.

According to the embodiments, the layer of the first part 4 a and thelayer of the second part 4 b are identical or in contrast are differentas to material and/or thickness.

Typically, the layer of the first part 4 a and the layer of the secondpart 4 b are made of a material of the type of, or having a base of,plastic material, if necessary a complex, for example comprisingaluminum. Such a layer of material has the characteristics of having acertain flexibility, at the same time as a certain overall strength suchthat, in the absence of load, it remains substantially flat, in a planeparallel to the plane Q. The same holds true for the sachet 1 or 1+Ptaken as a whole. Such a layer of material also has the characteristicsof being fluidtight, of being weldable onto itself, and of beingpeelable to break a welded bond on itself, by means of the exertion of asufficient pulling (tearing) force. It also has the characteristics ofbeing thin and of constant thickness, being able to be on the order of1/10^(th) of a millimeter, where this value cannot be limiting. It alsohas the characteristic of being able to be folded on itself with awell-defined fold line. “Layer” is defined as a thin and solid wall,whether it is homogeneous or not in its thickness (for example, aco-extruded material).

“Outer” is defined as that which is normally accessible from the outsideof the sachet 1 or 1+P, when it is sealed, and “inner” is defined,conversely, as that which is not normally accessible. “Outside” isdefined as that which is in or in the vicinity of the zone of the edge 3or the closest to it, and “inside” is defined, conversely, as that whichis away from the edge 3.

The first part 4 a and the second part 4 b respectively define the twoouter surfaces 4 aa and 4 ba of the sachet 1 or 1+P, which extendparallel—or substantially parallel—to the plane Q. These two surfaces 4aa and 4 ba are substantially flat or without an aesthetically notableraised feature.

The sachet 1+P comprises a mutual annular bonding area 8 of the firstpart 4 a and of the second part 4 b in a reciprocal contact area oftheir two inner surfaces 9 a and 9 b. This annular bonding area 8 isfluidtight. It can be detached by a suitable opening action. By that ismeant that the fluidtight bond can be broken, which makes it possible toopen the sachet 1+P. “Area” is defined as a certain surface expanse.

In a typical embodiment, the annular bonding area 8 is produced by flushwelding of the two layers of the two parts 4 a and 4 b by their twoinner surfaces 9 a and 9 b in contact, and it comprises an inside edge 8a and an outside edge 8 b. The distance between the edges 8 a and 8 b issufficient to ensure a suitable bond. For example, in an embodimentwhere the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension on the order ofseveral centimeters, as previously indicated, the distance between theedges 8 a and 8 b can be on the order of 2 mm to 5 mm. These valuescannot be limiting.

In the embodiment shown, the annular bonding area 8 comprises, forming acontinuous ring, two longitudinal direction segments 10 that arestraight or approximately straight, adjacent to the two large sides 5 ofthe edge 3, connected at the ends by two segments 11 in the generalcrosswise direction, named hereafter “crosswise segments,” that areslightly curved having a concavity turned inward, whose median part 12of each of them (median in relation to the crosswise direction of thesegment 11), forming a peak, is distal and outermost.

Each of the two crosswise segments 11 is transversely separated from thesmall side 6 toward which it is found, so as to form between the two azone 13 of the sachet 1 or 1+P. “Zone” is defined as a certain surfaceexpanse.

The sachet 1+P also comprises a cavity 14 bound in the first place bythe annular bonding area 8, more specifically by its inside edge 8 a,and in the second place by the two areas 15 a and 15 b that are notmutually bonded of the inner surfaces 9 a and 9 b, opposite, of thefirst part 4 a and of the second part 4 b that it bounds. The cavity 14is thin, and its thickness can be on the order of the thickness of alayer of material of the first part 4 a or of the second part 4 b. Thisvalue cannot be limiting.

The cavity 14 is able to receive the dose of fluid product P to bebagged, and its capacity is therefore suitable for this dose. Accordingto a first possible embodiment of the invention, the dose of fluidproduct is received directly in the cavity 14 of the sachet 1+P, withoutbeing incorporated into an intermediate support such as a web ofnonwoven fibers, etc., and without the sachet 1+P running the risk ofbeing damaged when it is inserted into a magazine. This first embodimentis possible, an intermediate support not being necessary.

If you can do something complicated, you can do something simple:according to a second possible embodiment, the dose of fluid product Pis not received directly into the cavity 14, but indirectly, by means ofa support impregnated with the dose of the fluid product. In this case,this support that is thus impregnated with fluid product is received inthe cavity 14 of the sachet. Such a support can, for example, besemi-rigid, semi-flexible. However, such a support does not necessarilyhave to absorb the compressive forces due to the insertion into amagazine and to the stacking of the magazines, although this is notruled out.

Consequently, the expression “dose of fluid product,” moreover, targetsthe dose of fluid product without intermediate support or the supportimpregnated with the dose of fluid product, depending on the embodiment.

Given that the first part 4 a, the second part 4 b, and the annularbonding area 8 are fluidtight, the cavity 14 is also fluidtight.

In an embodiment where the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension onthe order of several centimeters, as previously indicated, the cavity 14can have a length on the order of 3 cm to 7 cm. These values cannot belimiting.

The sachet 1+P also comprises a gripping zone, which is the previouslymentioned and described zone 13.

Toward the outside, the gripping zone 13 is adjacent to the peripheraledge 3, 3 a, 3 b. Toward the inside, the gripping zone 13 is adjacent tothe bonding area 8, more specifically to its outside edge 8 b. In theembodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 is in two sections that aredistinct and separated from one another, diametrically opposite facingeach other on the sachet 1+P, these two sections being adjacent to thetwo small sides 6. “Section” is defined as a certain surface expanse.

In the gripping zone 13, in contrast with the bonding area 8, the firstpart 4 a and the second part 4 b are not mutually bonded andconsequently can be moved in a relative way, in relation to one another.

This constructive arrangement makes it possible to provide a grippingmeans of the tab type that can be pinched between two fingers for thepurpose of opening the sachet 1+P so as to access the cavity 14 and thedose of fluid product P.

In the embodiment shown, in all, or at least substantially all, of thegripping zone 13, the layer portion of the first part 4 a and the layerportion of the second part 4 b are folded and bonded on themselves inzones 16 a and 16 b, respectively, by their inner surfaces 9 a and 9 bthat come into contact on themselves, typically by flush welding. Forthe first part 4 a, a fold 17 a coincident with the edge 3, 3 a isformed. For the second part 4 b, a fold 17 b coincident with the edge 3,3 b is formed. “Zone” 16 a, 16 b is defined as a certain surfaceexpanse.

The part of the layer portion of the first part 4 a thus folded andbonded on itself is designated “first folded flap” (here with bonding)and referenced 18 a, and the part of the layer portion of the secondpart 4 b thus folded and bonded on itself is designated “second foldedflap” (here with bonding) and referenced 18 b. “Flap” (18 a, 18 b) isdefined as a certain surface expanse.

When the sachet 1 or 1+P is flat, the first folded flap 18 a and thesecond folded flap 18 b are placed facing one another, one against theother, but without being bonded to one another, given that they are apart of the zone 13. This constructive arrangement makes it possible toform a raised surface region 18 that here is merged, or substantiallymerged, with the gripping zone 13. “Region” 18 is defined as a certainsurface expanse.

In the embodiment shown, the thickness of the raised surface region 18is equal to the thickness of the first folded flap 18 a plus thethickness of the second folded flap 18 b. It is therefore equal to twicethe thickness of the layer portion of the first part 4 a plus twice thethickness of the layer portion of the second part 4 b.

This embodiment is not limiting. More generally, the sachet 1 or 1+P issuch that, in at least only one part of the gripping zone 13, the layerportion of at least one of the first and second parts (4 a, 4 b) is onlyfolded on itself at least from the peripheral edge 3 a, 3 b, so as toform the raised surface region 18. Thus, the raised surface region 18can comprise only a single folded flap and not two as in the embodimentshown. Also, in contrast with the embodiment shown, the folded flap 18a, 18 b can be without bonding. Finally, more generally than in theembodiment shown, the raised surface region 18 can have a thickness atleast double the thickness of the layer portion of the part 4 a or 4 bthat is folded on itself to form the flap 18 a or 18 b.

In all cases, the raised thickness of the raised surface region 18 issuch that, according to the embodiments, it compensates for, at least inpart, or better equalizes, or exceeds the raised thickness in the regionof the cavity 14 due to the presence of the dose of fluid product P thatis found there (if necessary, with the impregnated support). Thus, therisk of damage to the sachet 1+P is reduced or eliminated when it isinserted into a magazine. In contrast, the raised thickness of theraised surface region 18 reinforces the gripping zone, which facilitatesthe operation of opening the sachet 1+P.

The first folded flap 18 a and/or the second folded flap 18 b extends inthe longitudinal direction and toward the inside, up to an inner edge 19a, 19 b, respectively, which is the edge of the first-part strip or ofthe second-part strip used for manufacturing the sachet 1+P. Accordingto the embodiments, the edge 19 a and/or the edge 19 b is located in thevicinity of the annular bonding area 8 and its outside edge 8 b, herethe crosswise segment 11. In the embodiment shown, a part 20 of thefirst folded flap 18 a and/or of the second folded flap 18 b extends inthe longitudinal direction and toward the inside so as to be adjacent orclose to a part of the annular bonding area 8 that forms a startingpoint of rupture of the latter. In the embodiment shown, the part 20 islocated in a median way in relation to the crosswise direction of thefolded flap 18 a, 18 b. In contrast, the part of the annular bondingarea 8 that forms a starting point of rupture is the median part 12,previously mentioned and described. This arrangement cannot be limiting.

So as to best make possible, on the one hand, the gripping for thepurpose of opening the sachet 1+P and, on the other hand, the reductionor the elimination of the risk of damage to the sachet 1+P filled withthe dose of fluid product P when it is inserted into a magazine, thegripping zone 13 and the raised surface region 18 extend peripherallyalong a part of the peripheral edge 3 over a sufficient peripherallength and extend in the perpendicular direction over a sufficientwidth. “Length” and “width” are defined as certain distances. The term“length” has been adopted in connection with the distance along theperipheral edge 3, and the term “width” has been adopted in connectionwith the distance in the direction that is perpendicular to thepreceding, for the reason that most often, the first distance mentionedis greater than the second distance mentioned. This arrangement cannotbe limiting.

Generally, said length is at least one-third of that of the peripheraledge 3, in particular on the order of one-half or at least one-half ofthe length of the peripheral edge 3. For its part, said width is atleast one-quarter of the length of the sachet 1+P in the sameperpendicular direction, in particular on the order of one-third or atleast one-third of the length of the sachet 1+P in this sameperpendicular direction. These values cannot be limiting.

In an embodiment where the edge 3 of the sachet 1+P has a dimension onthe order of several centimeters, as previously indicated, the grippingzone 13 and the raised surface region 18 can have a length on the orderof several centimeters and a width on the order of a centimeter, whichensures a good grasp by the fingers. These values cannot be limiting.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 and the raised surfaceregion 18 extend peripherally outward over only a fraction of theperipheral edge 3, and they are in several distinct, spaced sections,here two diametrically opposed sections.

In other embodiments, the gripping zone 13 and/or the raised surfaceregion 18 extends peripherally outward over the whole, or substantiallythe whole, of the peripheral edge 3. Or else they are made of a singlesection or of several distinct, but contiguous, sections.

In the embodiment shown, the gripping zone 13 and/or the raised surfaceregion 18 comprises, toward the inside, a boundary 19 whose shapedefines altogether a line or a surface for folding and opening the twoparts of the gripping zone 13 and/or of the raised surface region 18.This boundary 19 is defined in particular by the inner edges 19 a and 19b or the vicinity of the inner edges 19 a, 19 b, between the inner edges19 a, 19 b and the outer edge 8 b.

The use and the implementation of a sachet 1+P as has just beendescribed in its various embodiments is illustrated by FIGS. 4, 4A, and4B, to which reference will now be made.

FIG. 4 illustrates the sachet 1+P in its embodiment where it has twofolded flaps with bonding, 18 a and 18 b, filled, in the sealed stateand in a configuration where, on the whole, it is flat. The two flaps 18a and 18 b are then against one another and extend parallel to the planeQ, the sachet 1+P being itself flat.

As stated, the overall thickness H in the raised surface region 18 iseither just slightly lower or better equals or exceeds the thickness hin the region of the cavity 14, with the previously described effectsand advantages.

To open the sachet 1+P and access the dose of fluid product, the usertakes hold of the two folded flaps 18 a and 18 b of one of the pairs, orof the two pairs, of folded flaps 18 a, 18 b, and, with the fingersdiagrammed by the references D, separates them toward the edge 3, morespecifically here the small side 6, while making them pivot around theboundary 19, or the edges 19 a, 19 b, or toward the edges 19 a, 19 b.This separation movement is diagrammed in FIG. 4A by the arrows F₁. Inthis step, the spacing between the folded flaps 18 a and 18 b is not yetsufficient to have an effect on the bond in the nearby bonding area 8.

The user carries on with his action and continues to separate the foldedflaps 18 a, 18 b, the separation movement being diagrammed in FIG. 4B bythe arrows F₂. In this step, the spacing between the folded flaps 18 aand 18 b has the effect of breaking the bond in the nearby bonding area8, then little by little in the major part or in the whole of the area18. Thus, the user opens the sachet 1+P and accesses the cavity 14 andthe dose of fluid product P that can be used as seems appropriate.

The process for manufacturing a filled sachet 1+P is preferablyperformed continuously. It is derived from the process that makes itpossible to manufacture a series of sachets of the type containing adose of a fluid product.

The process comprises two variant embodiments depending on whether asingle continuous strip 21 of material in layer form is used at thebeginning or whether two continuous strips 21 a and 21 b of material inlayer form are used, the material of the strip or strips 21, 21 a and 21b being intended for the production of the first part 4 a and of thesecond part 4 b of the sachet 1. The strip of material 21 or the twostrips of material 21 a and 21 b are, originally, wound, respectively ona spool 22 or two spools 22 a and 22 b from which it is or they aretaken by unwinding for the manufacturing of the sachet 1+P.

Typically, the spool or spools 22, 22 a and 22 b are arranged with theiraxis (axes) horizontal and is (are) placed in an upper position.

In the two variant embodiments, by means of this single strip 21 or bymeans of these two strips 21 a and 21 b, a first-part strip 23 a and asecond-part strip 23 b are made. If a single strip 21 is used, alongitudinal-slot operation is initiated so as to form the two strips 23a and 23 b. If two strips 21 a and 21 b are used, it is the latter thatconstitute the two strips 23 a and 23 b.

The first variant embodiment is illustrated by FIG. 5 and the secondvariant embodiment by FIG. 6. With the first variant embodiment, it ispossible to have a first-part strip 23 a and a first part 4 a and asecond-part strip 23 b and a second part 4 b, respectively, which aredifferent as to material and/or thickness. With the second variantembodiment, the first-part strip 23 a and the first part 4 a and thesecond-part strip 23 b and the second part 4 b, respectively, areidentical as to material and thickness. With the embodiment of sachet1+P or 1 shown, the two strips 23 a and 23 b have the same width.

The first-part strip 23 a is bound by two longitudinal edges 19 aa and19 ab, and the second-part strip 23 b is bound by two longitudinalperipheral edges 19 ba and 19 bb. These edges are intended to constitutethe inner edges 19 a and 19 b, respectively, of the sachet 1+P.

In the two variant embodiments, the first-part strip 23 a and thesecond-part strip 23 b are fed in synchronicity, thanks to suitablesynchronicity feed means, typically vertically and downward, parallel toa vertical feed direction designated as “longitudinal.” This unwindingis illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows De₁. The term“longitudinal” used for the description of the process corresponds tothe term “longitudinal” used for the description of the sachet 1 or 1+P.

Then, a longitudinal layer portion of at least one of the first-part andsecond-part strips 23 a and 23 b is folded on itself, at least from acorresponding longitudinal peripheral edge 19 aa, 19 ab, 19 ba and 19 bbof the strip that is unwinding longitudinally, as indicated. Thus, on atleast one longitudinal edge, at least one folded flap 18 a, 18 b ismade, so as to form at least one raised surface region 16.

With reference to the embodiment of sachet 1 or 1+P shown, the twolongitudinal layer portions both of the first-part strip 23 a and of thesecond-part strip 23 b are folded from the four longitudinal peripheraledges 19 aa, 19 ab, 19 ba and 19 bb, which makes it possible to producefor the first-part strip 23 a and for the second-part strip 23 b,respectively, two opposite flaps facing each other. This folding can beperformed when the strip 23 a, 23 b is unwinding, by means of one ormore deflection bars or any other similar manner. This folding isillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows Pl.

When the first-part strip 23 a and the second-part strip 23 b arelocated opposite one another and in contact with one another towardtheir longitudinal peripheral edges 19 aa, 19 ab, 19 ba and 19 bb, foreach operation of a series of similar operations, the dose of fluidproduct P to be bagged (dose of fluid product without intermediatesupport or support impregnated with the dose of fluid product) isinserted between the first-part strip 23 a and the second-part strip 23b, and the first-part strip 23 a and the second-part strip 23 b arebonded in an annular area 8 so as to form a cavity 14, each successivedose of fluid product P being received in each successive cavity 14.This insertion of a dose and this bonding can be performed by means ofdose insertion and bonding devices that are known or within the scope ofa person skilled in the art. This insertion of a dose and this bondingare illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows In and So₁.

Then, the folded flap 18 a, 18 b of the first-part strip 23 a and/or ofthe second-part strip 23 b is bonded longitudinally on itself, and thisin the case where the flaps 18 a, 18 b are folded with bonding. Thisbonding can be performed by means of a bonding device that is known orwithin the scope of a person skilled in the art. This bonding isillustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows So₂.

Then, the first-part strip 23 a and the second-part strip 23 b, thusbonded, are cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities 14filled with doses of product P, so that for each operation of a seriesof similar operations, a sachet 1 containing a dose of a fluid product Pis separated. This cut-out can be performed by means of a cutting devicethat is known or within the scope of a person skilled in the art. Thiscut-out is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 by the arrows De₂.

1. Sachet (1) able and intended to contain a dose of fluid product (P),comprising a first part (4 a) in the form of a fluidtight layer portionwith a certain flexibility and a second part (4 b) in the form of afluidtight layer portion with a certain flexibility, the first part (4a) and the second part (4 b) being arranged opposite so that the sachet(1) comprises: an annular area (8) for mutual bonding that is fluidtightand that can be detached by a suitable opening action of the first part(4 a) and of the second part (4 b) in a reciprocal contact area of theirtwo inner surfaces (9 a, 9 b), a gripping zone (13) that, toward theoutside, is adjacent to the peripheral edge (3) of the sachet (1) andthat, toward the inside, is adjacent to the bonding area (8), in whichthe first part (4 a) and the second part (4 b) are not mutually bondedso as to provide a gripping means of the tab type for the purpose ofopening the sachet (1), a fluidtight cavity (14) bounded by the bondingarea (8) and by the two areas that are not mutually bonded (15 a, 15 b)of the inner surfaces (9 a, 9 b) opposite the first part (4 a) and thesecond part (4 b) that it borders, able to receive the dose of fluidproduct (P) to be bagged, characterized by the fact that in at least onepart of said gripping zone (13), the layer portion of at least one ofthe first and second parts (4 a, 4 b) is folded on itself at least fromthe peripheral edge (3) by a folded flap (18 a, 18 b), so as to form araised surface region (18), with a thickness at least double thethickness of the layer portion of this part (4 a, 4 b), the sachet (1)thus comprising in the raised surface region (18) a raised thicknessthat compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds theraised thickness in the region of the cavity (14), due to the presenceof the dose of fluid product (P) that is found there, so as to reduce oreliminate the risk of damaging the sachet (1) filled with the dose offluid product (P) when it is inserted into a magazine.
 2. Sachet (1)according to claim 1, wherein the folded flap (18 a, 18 b) of the firstpart and/or the second part (4 b) is also bonded onto itself, forming apermanent folded flap (18 a, 18 b).
 3. Sachet (1) according to any oneof claims 1 and 2, wherein the folded flap (18 a, 18 b) of the firstpart (4 a) and/or of the second part (4 b) extends in a longitudinaldirection up to the vicinity of the annular bonding area (8).
 4. Sachet(1) according to claim 3, wherein a portion (20) of the folded flap (18a, 18 b) of the first part (4 a) and/or of the second part (4 b) extendsin a longitudinal direction while being adjacent to a part (12) of theannular bonding area (8) forming its starting point of rupture. 5.Sachet (1) according to claim 4, wherein said part (20) of the foldedflap (18 a, 18 b) is located in a median way on said folded flap (18 a,18 b), and/or said part (12) of the annular bonding area (8) is locatedin a median way on a segment (11) of said annular bonding area (8). 6.Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the foldedflap (18 a, 18 b) of at least one of the first and second parts (4 a, 4b) is in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone (13), thegripping zone (13) being merged, or substantially merged, with theraised surface region (18).
 7. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims1 to 6, wherein the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region(18) extends peripherally along a part of the peripheral edge (3) over acertain length and extends in the perpendicular direction over a certainwidth, the length and the width being sufficient to make possible, onthe one hand, the gripping for the purpose of opening the sachet (1)and, on the other hand, the reduction or the elimination of the risk ofdamaging the sachet (1) filled with the dose of fluid product (P) whenit is inserted into a magazine.
 8. Sachet (1) according to claim 7,wherein said length is at least one-third of the length of theperipheral edge (3), in particular on the order of one-half or at leastone-half of the length of the peripheral edge (3), and/or said width isat least one-quarter of the length of the sachet (1) in the sameperpendicular direction, in particular on the order of one-third or atleast one-third of the length of the sachet (1) in the sameperpendicular direction.
 9. Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1to 8, wherein the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surface region(18) extends peripherally outward either in totality, or substantiallyin totality, or over only a fraction of the peripheral edge (3) of thesachet (1), and/or the gripping zone (13) and/or the raised surfaceregion (18) is either in a single section or in several sections thatare separate, contiguous or spaced out, in particular in twodiametrically opposed sections facing each other on the sachet (1). 10.Sachet (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the grippingzone (13) and/or the raised surface region (18) comprises, toward theinside, a boundary (19, 19 a, 19 b) whose shape defines as a whole aline or a surface for folding and opening the two parts of the grippingzone (13) and/or of the raised surface region (18).
 11. Sachet (1)according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in at least one part ofthe gripping zone (13), the folded flap (18 a) of the first part (4 a)and the folded flap (18 b) of the second part (4 b) are located at rightangles to the same raised surface region (18), with a thickness at leastequal to twice the thickness of the layer portion of the first part (4a) plus twice the thickness of the layer portion of the second part (4b).
 12. Sachet (1) according to claim 11, wherein the folded flap (18 a)of the first folded part (4 a) and the folded flap (18 b) of the secondpart (4 b) are located opposite one another.
 13. Sachet (1) according toany one of claims 1 to 12, wherein it is bound on both sides by twoouter surfaces (4 aa, 4 ba) that are substantially flat or without anaesthetically notable raised feature.
 14. Sachet (1) according to anyone of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first part (4 a) and the second part(4 b) and the sachet (1) all together exhibit a certain flexibility andan overall strength that is, in particular, flat.
 15. Sachet (1)according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the layer of the firstpart (4 a) and/or the layer of the second part (4 b) has/have athickness on the order of 1/10^(th) of a millimeter.
 16. Sachet (1)according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the layer of the firstpart (4 a) and the layer of the second part (4 b) are either identicalor different relative to the material and/or the thickness.
 17. Sachet(1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein its peripheral edge(3) corresponds to the two coincident peripheral edges (3 a, 3 b) of thefirst part (4 a) in layer portion shape and of the second part (4 b) inlayer portion shape, and in particular wherein its peripheral edge (3)has a contour of general shape, or falling within a general, polygonalshape such as a square or rectangular shape.
 18. Sachet (1) according toclaim 1, wherein the layer portion of the first part (4 a) and the layerportion of the second part (4 b) are folded and bonded on themselvesopposite one another, in all, or substantially all, of the gripping zone(13), in two folded flaps with bonding (18 a, 18 b), forming a raisedsurface region (18), with a thickness equal to twice the thickness ofthe layer portion of the first part (4 a) plus twice the thickness ofthe layer portion of the second part (4 b), the two folded flaps withbonding (18 a, 18 b) extending in a longitudinal direction up to thevicinity of a starting point for rupture (12) of the annular bondingarea (8), the gripping zone (13) and the raised surface region (18)extending peripherally over a certain length of the peripheral edge (3)of the sachet (1), the sachet (1) being bound on both sides by two outersurfaces (4 aa, 4 ba) that are substantially flat or without anaesthetically notable raised feature and having a peripheral edge (3)corresponding to the two coincident peripheral edges (3 a, 3 b) of thefirst part (4 a) and of the second part (4 b).
 19. Sachet (1) containinga dose of a fluid product (P), wherein it comprises a sachet (1)according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and a dose of fluid product (P)received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1).
 20. Sachet (1) containinga dose of a fluid product (P) according to claim 19, wherein the dose offluid product (P) is received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1),without intermediate support.
 21. Sachet (1) containing a dose of afluid product (P) according to claim 19, wherein the dose of fluidproduct (P) impregnates a support, said support thus impregnated withfluid product being received in the cavity (14) of the sachet (1). 22.Sachet (1) containing a dose of a fluid product (P) according to any oneof claims 19 to 21, wherein its thickness in the raised surface region(18) compensates for, at least in part, or equalizes, or exceeds thethickness in the region of the cavity (14) where the dose of fluidproduct (P) is found and wherein it is bound on both sides by two outersurfaces (4 aa, 4 ba) that are substantially flat or without anaesthetically notable raised feature.
 23. Process for manufacturing aseries of sachets (1) of the type containing a dose of a fluid product(P) according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: one or two strips(21, 21 a, 21 b) of material in the form of a layer is/are used, fluidproduct (P) is used, wherein, successively: the strip or strips (21, 21a, 21 b) of layer-shaped material is/are unwound so as to form alayer-shaped continuous first-part strip (23 a) and a layer-shapedcontinuous second-part strip (23 b), and the first-part strip (23 a) andthe second-part strip (23 b) are pulled in synchronicity, a longitudinallayer portion of at least one of the first-part and second-part strips(23 a, 23 b) is folded on itself, at least from the longitudinalperipheral edge while this strip is unwinding, in a folded flap (18 a,18 b), so as to form a longitudinal raised surface region (18) adjacentto the longitudinal peripheral edge of this strip, when the first-partstrip (23 a) and the second-part strip (23 b) are located opposite oneanother and in contact with one another toward their longitudinalperipheral edges, for each operation of a series of similar operations,the dose of fluid product (P) to be bagged is inserted between thefirst-part strip (23 a) and the second-part strip (23 b), and thefirst-part strip (23 a) and the second-part strip (23 b) are bonded inan annular area (8) so as to form a cavity (14), each successive dose offluid product (P) being received in each successive cavity (14), thefolded flap (18 a, 18 b) of the first-part strip (23 a) and/or of thesecond-part strip (23 b) is bonded longitudinally on itself, thefirst-part strip (23 a) and the second-part strip (23 b), thus bonded,are cut at least crosswise between the successive cavities (14) filledwith doses of fluid product (P), so that for each operation of a seriesof similar operations, a sachet (1+P) containing a dose of a fluidproduct is separated.
 24. Process according to claim 23, wherein asingle strip (21) of layer-shaped material is used, and from this, afirst-part strip (23 a) and a second-part strip (23 b) are formed, ortwo strips of material (21 a, 21 b) are used and thus a first-part strip(23 a) and a second-part strip (23 b) are used.